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I am thinking to redo the attic vent because right now it only have one Gable vent. Among Soffit vent, Ridge vent and another Gable vent, which one or two should I add? I am looking for minimum work for good result. I quoted a local roofer and he advised only add Ridge vent would be OK, but I am reading online seems like Ridge vent and Soffit vent often paired. Any suggestions?
Location: NY state, size of roof floor is about 1200 sf.
Why do you need more venting? Roofs fail because of the UV light from the sun, not from overheating.
Because I always thought one Gabel vent is not not enough for attic vent, plus I will put new roof anyway, it may be a good idea to update the vent together.
Find out from your local AHJ which formula (1/150 or 1/300) they recommend.
Which type of "venting" you use on the upper end doesn't really matter in most cases. It can be gable vents, turtlebacks, turbines, power roof vents, or ridge vents. Here's one word of caution about ridge vents- 90% of them are usually installed incorrectly. The main thing to remember, don't use multiples of the different types. Since you already have a gable vent- it maybe adequate as it stands. But if the formula says you need more then consider a different type and eliminate (or render it non-working) the gable vent. I have actually seen a couple of houses that had gable, turtlebacks, and a power vent on one roof- needless to say but, there's no air "circulating" in those attics.
I like passive systems from the standpoint that there is nothing mechanical- which means there's nothing to breakdown. However, personally I prefer power roof ventilators because I have "positive" airflow throw the attic. Don't have to rely on prevailing winds, or worry about extremely high humidity (Southeast), thanks to a temp/humidity switch.
The least expensive option might be to put another gable vent in the other end, and consider putting a fan in one of them to keep the air circulating on the really hot days. That is a LOT less work than installing soffit vents, and ridge vents, which work in tandem to circulate air by pulling cool air in through the soffit and venting hot air out through the ridge.
What part of NY? How many really HOT days do you have? Are there moisture issues that are making you think you need more venting? Where is the insulation--on the ceiling joists, or hanging from the rafters? How big is the gable vent?
Lots of issues to think about, but you might already have adequate ventilation unless there are 'issues' which we don't know about.
FWIW - in northern climes some vents can be a problem. Cold winds blowing snow will blow snow right into gable end vents, especially if there is another vent that acts to lower the air pressure in the attic. If the storm is minor that snowbank inside can evaporate out with no problem, but if it builds up over time or there is a heavy storm it can melt and damage the rooms below. Seen it. Soffit vents limit that problem and also can reduce the issue of ice dams.
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